TE Nic DiLillo (official thread)

[wadc45]

Wow, I am shocked by how many people (here and on Scout) are selling Nic's receiving and open field abilities short...maybe some of you need to watch the film I watched, where Nic was used frequently on underneath routes and screens and was very dangerous with the ball in his hands. His straightline speed may not be the best at this point, but he is hardly a slow, lumbering, blocking TE, his lateral movement is phenomenal and he can create space as well as any of the other OH TEs in this class. Add to that he is probably the best protection/short yardage TE in the state and you get a TE who gives you multiple options at the line.

I didn't even both responding on Scout because the stuff over there has turned comical.

You can go back to page 1 of this thead and see that 22 and I were high on Nic from the start...and if you are looking for a great breakdown of Nic's game, read this premium article:

Scout $

[LordJeffBuck]

Originally Posted by wadc45

Wow, I am shocked by how many people (here and on Scout) are selling Nic's receiving and open field abilities short...

Eh, I wouldn't worry about it. A couple of years ago, everyone on the other sites was whining that Ohio State refused to offer some 3-star OL who had already committed to Pitt - "I can't believe that JT won't go after the in-state kids! Especially when OL is such a crucial need!" You know the drill, everybody but JT is a genius, and the Buckeyes can't do anything right when it comes to recruiting....

[starBUCKS]

I thought that JT pretty much backs off kids that have verbaled elsewhere. Not the case? I have no problem with it.

[Napoleonbuck]

I'm not questioning his talent, I'm questioning how urgent the need is for a TE in this class.

It just seems to me like we could wait until next year to get a TE(or two!).

[wadc45]

I would be SHOCKED to see Nic back out of his Pitt verbal anyways...hopefully I am wrong on that account.

[HINYG8]

Originally Posted by Napoleonbuck

I'm not questioning his talent, I'm questioning how urgent the need is for a TE in this class.

It just seems to me like we could wait until next year to get a TE(or two!).

I think the only urgency is that Ohio is thick with awesome TEs this year..but next year does not look as strong at TE inside the state.

[OWUBuckeye51]

Originally Posted by wadc45

I would be SHOCKED to see Nic back out of his Pitt verbal anyways...hopefully I am wrong on that account.

I was surprised to see him back out on the Clemson verbal...when comparing the two programs, they appear equal on paper, but Clemson seems to have better opportunity for future growth than Pitt. At least, to me anyway.

I hope you are wrong too bro.

[wadc45]

Originally Posted by OWUBuckeye51

I was surprised to see him back out on the Clemson verbal...when comparing the two programs, they appear equal on paper, but Clemson seems to have better opportunity for future growth than Pitt. At least, to me anyway.

I hope you are wrong too bro.

The biggest area where Clemson and Pitt were not equal on paper was distance from home...

[RoscoeParrish]

I know this is a somewhat esoteric question, but does anyone know the quality of his blocking? Any film of it out there or scouting reports? It seems to me like most TE's at the high school level are judged upon their pass catching ability and athleticism, for the most part. Is it possible that blocking for the TE's is something that is expected to be taught at the college point rather than early on like it is for OL? Thanks.

[wadc45]

Originally Posted by RoscoeParrish

I know this is a somewhat esoteric question, but does anyone know the quality of his blocking? Any film of it out there or scouting reports? It seems to me like most TE's at the high school level are judged upon their pass catching ability and athleticism, for the most part. Is it possible that blocking for the TE's is something that is expected to be taught at the college point rather than early on like it is for OL? Thanks.

He is probably one of the best blocking TEs in the state...and I've heard several talent evaluators say that. He plays with a whole lot of nasty (think TJ Downing) and is great at sealing the edge. That is the reason I think some people are selling Nic's receiving skills short...they assume if he is such a good blocker he must not have the ability to stretch the field.

[dozerbuck]

Originally Posted by starBUCKS

I thought that JT pretty much backs off kids that have verbaled elsewhere. Not the case? I have no problem with it.

JT does back off a kid after a verbal, but if there is still interest from the OSU staff, they will ask the recruit if they are willing to listen to what the staff has to say. If not, the staff leaves them alone, end of story.

JT contacted Nic last night and asked if he was willing to talk and you know the rest.

Originally Posted by Napoleonbuck

I'm not questioning his talent, I'm questioning how urgent the need is for a TE in this class.

It just seems to me like we could wait until next year to get a TE(or two!).

I have stated this many times before, but I will say it again......the staff has there own thoughts on the depth at a position.......

.......and just for a reminder, one TE was switched from another position last year and another was recruited as a TE, but the staff isn't quite sure if that is the position he will stay at.

Plus, you can always use a TE of DiLillo's ability. Ohio is stacked at TE this year.

[scarletngray]

Originally Posted by wadc45

He is probably one of the best blocking TEs in the state...and I've heard several talent evaluators say that. He plays with a whole lot of nasty (think TJ Downing) and is great at sealing the edge. That is the reason I think some people are selling Nic's receiving skills short...they assume if he is such a good blocker he must not have the ability to stretch the field.

Anyone who has seen his highlight flim would not question his receiving abilities. Actually, he appears to have great hands, knows how to get open, and is very physical in the blocking department. He would be a great get if he decides to join the good guys.

Here's hoping....

[buckeyeinfla]

well this shows me that tressel and co like stoneburner as a WR...if they felt he was going to be a TE i think they wouldnt keep fishing for a TE in this class...

[BGriffBuckeye]

Originally Posted by dozerbuck

.......and just for a reminder, one TE was switched from another position last year and another was recruited as a TE, but the staff isn't quite sure if that is the position he will stay at.

Plus, you can always use a TE of DiLillo's ability. Ohio is stacked at TE this year.

Care to elaborate? This may be more suited for the Rumor Mill, but you mentioned it here. I am going to assume that the player we recruited at TE, but the staff may not feel he is suited there would be Andrew Miller. As for the Te that has already switched positions... my guess would be Brandon Smith BACK to LB. Hmmmm, I can't imagine either of Nicol or Ballard moving.

[scarletngray]

Not sure he meant that he was switched back to LB, just that he was a LB and switched to TE. That's how I read it anyway. We have a plethora of LB and I would be really surprised if BS was switched back due to depth issues at TE.